PHILIPSBURG:--- National Institute of the Arts (NIA), which recently celebrated its first year of existence, brought movement to the Chamber of Commerce's (CoC) 35th anniversary Gala event on Wednesday, May 7, at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa.
The gala event formed part of a series of planned events celebrating the 35 years of the CoC existence.
Co-Director of NIA, Arlene Halley said, "It was a great honor to be a part of such an event, to have a platform to showcase St. Maarten's cultural excellence in the arts. As an institution, we offer a wide array of art forms, reflecting the cultural diversity and artistic excellence of our island, for both children and adults to immerse themselves in."
NIA's dancers presented two specially choreographed pieces by NIA instructors Peggy Oulerich and EoIia "Bibi" Ada, along with Co-Directors Arlene HaIIey and CIara Reyes, which displayed their artistic versatility and style. The music for these numbers was edited by Hans Minnaert.
Reyes said that the development of the pieces presented at the CoC event was a great experience, because it entailed four choreographers coming together to create what they feel are signature pieces for NIA. The concept for the choreography was born after receiving an invitation to perform at the 45th anniversary of St. Maarten Carnival's Youth Extravaganza.
"Our presentation was well received and our students were extremely proud of themselves. Showcases such as this demonstrate to them that their hard work during classes and rehearsals pay off. The first piece was a folkloric number, which reflected the dances of old time St. Maarten, while the second piece was a modern, sophisticated piece which was much more eclectic and incorporated contemporary movements and African and Folk styles," stated Clara Reyes, Co-Director of NIA.
The students, management and staff of NIA congratulate the Chamber of Commerce on their 35th year of service to St. Maarten.
